The Very Busy Spider

by Eric Carle
The Very Busy Spider cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Children's Fiction
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £7.99 Hardback • £7.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 9118
  • Added: 2025-12-23
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780593382806
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2020-05-05
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

In this classic children's book, a small spider is blown by the wind to a fence post near a farm yard. Despite the distractions from various farm animals, the spider remains focused on building her web. The story highlights the spider's persistence and dedication to her task. When the rooster asks if she wants to catch a pesky fly, the busy spider demonstrates her web's effectiveness by catching it immediately. The book is beautifully illustrated and teaches children about perseverance and the importance of staying focused on one's goals. /n/n The Very Busy Spider is a beloved tale that has captivated young readers for generations. The simple yet engaging text, combined with Eric Carle's distinctive and colorful collage illustrations, makes this book a timeless favorite. It's a great way to introduce children to the concept of hard work and the rewards that come from it. The book also subtly introduces the idea of different animals and their sounds, making it both educational and entertaining.

Reviews
StorySnug · 2013-10-11
brilliant 4.50

This book is a great story for teaching children about hard work, patience, and perseverance. The multi-sensory experience makes it a standout choice for young readers.

The Very Busy Spider is more than just a delightful story; it's a valuable lesson in hard work and perseverance. The multi-sensory experience, with its tactile web and rhythmic text, makes it a standout choice for young readers. The book's simplicity and the important life lessons it imparts make it a worthwhile addition to any child's collection. The visual appeal and the interactive elements ensure that children remain engaged and entertained throughout.

Quick quotes

    It's a great story for showing children that hard work, patience and perseverance gets you to your goal.

    In this multi-sensory book, children can feel the pictures as well as see them, while they hear or read the easy rhythmic text.

    This book is great it actually has a spider web that is tactile/touchable = starts off as a line and as each page turns the web becomes more and more defined.

An Embarrassment of Books · 2012-02-20
great 4.00

The tactile web is a standout feature, making the book interactive and engaging for young children. The rhythmic text and visual appeal make it a delightful read.

One of the standout features of The Very Busy Spider is the tactile web that children can feel as they read. This interactive element makes the book more engaging and enjoyable for young readers. The rhythmic text and visually appealing illustrations add to the overall charm, making it a delightful read for both children and parents. The book's simplicity and the multi-sensory experience it offers make it a timeless classic.

Quick quotes

    The gimmick of the book is 'A board book to feel as well as read and hear.'

    The spider's web is raised on the page, so children can feel it.

    It is beautifully simplistic, visually appealing and delightful for both mum (or dad) and baby!

BookTrust · 1984-01-01
excellent 4.50

This beautifully executed work is perfect for very young children, satisfying both visually handicapped and sighted children. The tactile elements make it a delightful and engaging read.

The Very Busy Spider is a wonderfully crafted book that appeals to a wide range of young readers. The tactile nature of the spider's web, which children can feel, adds a multi-sensory dimension that enhances the reading experience. This book not only entertains but also educates, making it a valuable addition to any child's library. The simplicity and visual appeal make it a favorite among both parents and children, ensuring it stands the test of time.

Quick quotes

    A beautifully executed work for the very young that satisfies the needs of both visually handicapped and sighted children without losing its appeal.

    The gimmick of the book is 'A board book to feel as well as read and hear.'

    The book itself has held up really well through the 6 toddlers who have lived in this house!

Appears in Lists